Point of control remote-actuation apparatus and methods
OwnerRobert L. Stevensoninventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Controlling a switch or valve at a distance is achieved by a support member having a movable portion, with the moveable portion including an elongate member, and a drive mechanism in communication with the moveable portion. A motor, hand crank, or other force transmission apparatus acts to move the drive mechanism and thus the movable portion and elongate member such that a valve or switch is actuated at a distance from a user.
Claims18
A point of control remote-actuation apparatus, comprising:
- an elongate member having a first end and second end,
- a support member having a movable portion, said moveable portion being adjustably coupled with said elongate member along any portion of a length of said elongate member such that said first end and said second end of the elongate member are free of contact with said point of control remote-actuation apparatus during an actuation operation;
- and
- a drive mechanism in communication with said moveable portion, said drive mechanism configured to provide torque to the moveable portion and elongate member in response to a motive force, wherein said drive mechanism is offset from the movable portion such that the drive mechanism and movable portion are not in axial alignment.
A point of control remote-actuation apparatus, comprising:
- a support member having a rotatable portion, said rotatable portion including a holder configured to engage an elongate member along any portion of a length of said elongate member and such that a first end and a second end of the elongate member are free of contact with said point of control remote-actuation apparatus;
- and
- a drive mechanism in communication with said rotatable portion, said drive mechanism adapted to rotate said rotatable portion and elongate member engaged by said holder in response to a motive force, wherein said drive mechanism is offset from the holder such that the drive mechanism and holder are not in axial alignment.
A method for operating a point of control at a distance with a remote-actuation apparatus, said apparatus including an elongate member coupled with a movable portion of a support member along any portion of a length of said elongate member and such that a first end and a second end of the elongate member are free of contact with said remote-actuation apparatus, with said support member having a drive mechanism that is offset from the movable portion such that the drive mechanism and movable portion are not in axial alignment, comprising the step of:
- actuating said drive mechanism such that said movable portion rotates said elongate member and thereby operates said point of control at a distance.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.